Gaillardia grandiflora typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
blanket flower
Gaillardia grandiflora
The Blanket Flower, also known as Gaillardia grandiflora, is a truly amazing plant species. This eye-catching flowering perennial features unique, daisy-like blooms in a range of bright and inviting colors. Not only is it attractive, but it is also quite hardy and tolerant of a broad range of conditions. It thrives in warm weather, needs minimal care, and tolerates drought and poor soils. Best of all, it's low maintenance and blooms throughout the summer. With its beautiful blooms and resilient qualities, it's no wonder why the Blanket Flower is a popular addition to many gardens.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 10
Flowers:
Yellow, orange, red with maroon to orange banding at petal bases Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
The blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) should be watered once a week, but the amount of water can vary depending on the weather conditions. In general, blanket flowers need about 1-2 inches of water per week. If it's a hot summer day, water the plant more frequently (2-3 times per week) in order to keep the soil consistently moist. If it's a colder fall or winter day, water the plant less frequently (about every 10-14 days). The best way to tell if the blanket flower needs more water is to stick your finger down 2-3 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, water the plant; if it feels moist, the plant has enough water.
sunlight
Blanket flowers (Gaillardia grandiflora) enjoy full sunlight and warmer temperatures when grown outdoors in the garden. It is best to plant them in an area of your garden that gets 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day. When grown indoors, they should be placed near the window where they will receive at least 5-6 hours of daylight. In addition, blanket flowers do best when given a break from the midday sun, so find a spot that will provide them with shade when the sun is at its highest.
pruning
Blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora) should be pruned once per year for maximum growth and bloom. Pruning should take place in the spring once the last frost has passed. Start by cutting off any dried, dead, or diseased shoots, and remove any shoots that are growing too close together. This will help promote air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. Larger shoots can also be pruned back, however, be careful not to cut too much. Removing about 1-third of the plant's existing growth will be enough to encourage new blooms and vigorous growth. Finally, deadheading spent flowers also helps promote new growth and bloom.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Gaillardia grandiflora typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Should blanket flowers be deadheaded?
Yes, blanket flowers should be deadheaded as this will encourage new growth and help create more blooms during their blooming season. Deadheading is the removal of any spent or wilted flowers, typically by gently pinching them off the stem with your fingers or by using clean and sharp pruners. This helps promote new growth and will keep the flowers looking tidy and healthy while also aiding in the blooming process.
Could blanket flowers be used as cut flowers?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia species) are an ideal choice for cut flowers. These flowers are bright and cheery, with unique and eye-catching blooms. Unlike many other wildflowers and garden plants, blanket flowers have long-lasting blooms that can easily last up to two weeks when cut. They are also very drought-tolerant, meaning they won’t quickly wilt when placed in water. Additionally, blanket flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes, and can be arranged in a variety of ways, making them very versatile in flower arranging and bouquet making.
Should blanket flowers be planted in groups or singly?
Blanket flowers, also known as gaillardia, look the best when planted in groups of three or more. Planting them in groups helps to create an eye-catching wave of blooms throughout your garden and an overall more natural look. On the other hand, if you want a more manicured look in your garden, you could plant blanket flowers singly. However, it's important to note that blanket flowers thrive best when planted in groups, as they are natively designed to grow in clusters.
Are blanket flowers invasive?
No, blanket flowers (Gaillardia spp.) are not considered invasive. These plants are actually native to North America and parts of Mexico and can often be found in areas such as meadows, roadsides, and open woodlands. Blanket flowers are also a popular garden plant due to their ease of care and tolerant nature to less than ideal soil conditions. They should not cause any damage to nearby ecosystems and can be a great addition to any garden.
Could blanket flowers be used in a wildflower meadow?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) can be used in a wildflower meadow. These drought-tolerant flowers are quite hardy and full of bright colors such as red, orange and yellow, adding an extra splash of color. Blanket flowers tend to attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to their appeal as a great way to add both beauty and pollinators to a wildflower meadow. Furthermore, they are typically low-maintenance and require little to no care. This makes them an excellent choice for novice gardeners who want to enjoy the wildflower meadow look without too much work.
Should blanket flowers be mulched?
Yes, blanket flowers should be mulched. Mulching blanket flowers helps to insulate the roots from extreme temperatures, retain moisture, and prevent weeds. It also adds organic matter which helps to maintain healthy soil structure. Blanket flowers should be mulched with an organic mulch such as bark chips, wood chips, dried leaves, or straw. The mulch should be about two to three inches deep and kept away from the base of the plant.
Are blanket flowers self-seeding?
Yes, blanket flowers are self-seeding. This means that when the flower’s petals drop off, the seed pods are left behind. These pod will then eventually dry up and when the conditions are right the seeds will sprout and the process of self-seeding will begin again. This means that blanket flowers can easily spread and naturalize if the conditions are right.
Do blanket flowers attract pollinators?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) do attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The long-lasting, daisy-like flowers produce copious amounts of nectar that are a great attraction for these insects. Additionally, the bright colors of the flowers also help to draw in pollinators from far away. This species of flower is even known for attracting predatory wasps in to its flowers, which helps to keep insect pests under control as well.
